Why is SOS so committed to the local church? There are three reasons:
The first reason is because God is committed to building His Church. Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “I will build MY church.” The Church is a special institution, because it is an institution that Jesus Christ Himself is actively involved in constructing. As the master craftsman, He lays and plants every member (1 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Corinthians 12:24). He personally saves (Ephesians 2:4, 8, 9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5), transfers (Colossians. 1:13), and births His beloved members (1 Peter 1:3). The all-powerful, sovereign King of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth personally takes His time to invest in building this assembly.
The second reason SOS is so committed to the local church is because the Church was sacrificially purchased by the costly blood of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:25 proclaims the amazing truth that Jesus Christ practically expressed His love and passion for His Church by giving Himself up for it! Acts 20:28 declares that elders must care for God’s church because it was “purchased with His own blood.” Therefore, not only is the Church loved by Christ, but it is owned by Him. And it is this precious possession that God has placed into the hands of elders to lovingly shepherd.
The third reason SOS is so committed to the local church is because the Church is intimately and inseparably connected to Jesus Christ. The Church is called God’s household (Ephesians 2:19; I Timothy 3:15). We are called God’s children (2 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 3:14; 1 John 5:1). He is our Father and we are His children. We are also called Christ’s own body (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:30). The Church is part of Christ and Christ is part of the Church. Therefore, in the mind of God to love the Church is to love Jesus. If we truly love God, we must love God’s Church.
So what can be said about the Church other than the fact that it is the most important institution in the world? For such sacrifice, such attention, such care, such involvement to be given by the supreme God, King, and Creator of the universe, clearly, the Church is God’s most prized possession. Surely, all those who love Christ must be committed to participating in God’s passion to build, strengthen, and extend God’s Church throughout the world. This is SOS’s commitment, and we pray it is your commitment as well!
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